Arizona

Located about 40 miles east of Phoenix right off AZ-88 E/N Apache Trail. The initial trail begins at an elevation of 2000 feet within the Sonoran Desert. The trail can be accessed via the Cholla (northern side) Day-use Area or the Saguaro (southern) Day-use Area. Once you're on the trail you wil...

...For this very short stroll to Elephant Arch, I'd like to clarify that it's more of a sightseeing and/or photo opportunity trip than a hiking trip. It's so close that it can be seen from the side of the road. So just forewarning! Nonetheless, if you love natural wonders then it's a landmark you...

Elephant's Feet is located 20 miles east of Tuba City on 160 right outside of Tonalea, AZ. This roadside stop is right off the highway - you definitely won't miss it when driving from either direction. There is plenty of space to park in the roadside pull off. Depending on the season, there may b...

The Gateway Trailhead is one access point into the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy in Scottsdale and is my favorite “Gateway” into the treasure trove of great trails and vistas in the McDowell Mountains. The Gateway Trailhead provides great accessibility for a quick hike or trail run at the end of t...

Waterline Road is a closed service road that follows along the southern and eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff, AZ. You will pass through several miles of charred ponderosa pine as well as expansive groves of aspen trees as you make your way to the Inner Basin.The road follows...

Enjoy the beautiful Baldwin Trail Loop in red rock country as you take in the majestic views of Cathedral Rock! As with most areas in Sedona, you will need to have purchased a Red Rock Pass to park at the trailhead, which is located just south of Verde Valley Road. The trailhead, starting at an ...

This run is an extreme adventure and requires lots of planning and training. The risk for injury or heat related illness is high, so take precautions and don't run alone. Group sizes of 12-30 require a $175 permit from the NPS. These trails are popular with runners, hikers, and backpackers; pl...

The easiest route is to drive from the southern entrance to the Petrified Forest National Park and head north toward the 3.5 mile Blue Mesa Scenic Drive.  The drive itself is nice and offers other hikes depending on what pullout you stop your car.  For the Blue Mesa Trail look for the 3rd or 4th ...

This loop starts from Vultee Arch Rd. Important to note that doing this loop from here requires a high clearance 4x4. In this direction, the trail starts off flat and crosses a dry creek bed several times. The trail is relatively easy to follow. This section passes through junipers that offer som...

Keet Seel is an amazingly preserved pueblo village in the depths of the canyons at Navajo National Monument. First occupied as early as 700-900 AD, it was not until approximately 1250 AD when the current visible structures were built. During that period, Keet Seel was home to about one hundred An...

This is a wonderful less traveled trail that is fairly easy hiking, at least until you reach the base of the Cockscomb. It does not have much shade. I recommend hiking this trail late afternoon into sunset as the trail weaves between Doe Mountain and the Cockscomb on the west side. The setting su...

I started this hike at 7:00am. It was a perfect time of day. The sky was clear and the air was cool. I chose this section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail because I heard it passes through beautiful prairie and stands of Ponderosa Pine and Aspen trees. The trail did not disappoint! I started...

There are many ways in and out of the Grand Canyon but the most popular loop is to descend from the South Rim, heading down the steeper South Kaibab Trail and returning up via the easier Bright Angel Trail. Your adventure starts early to beat the sun (and get the views). After getting your permi...

Beginning at the Cathedral Rock trailhead down Back O' Beyond Rd., this path at the base of the Cathedral Rock climb takes the hiker down into a lush, tree covered area perfect for swimming and enjoying the views of red rock above and all around. Start by heading up the main trail, and as you eme...

This is one of the less traveled trails in White Tank Mountain Regional Park.  If you're looking for a solid day hike in the west valley, try this one.  It isn't a loop, but it ultimately connects with some of the other long trails so if you're up for a long hike, you have options.  This starts f...

To get to the trailhead from US60, turn north onto Kings Ranch Road where you will begin the winding path through the neighborhoods.  From Kings Ranch Road, turn east on Baseline Ave, north on Mohican Road, west on Valley View Drive, north on Whitetail Road, and east on Cloudview Ave until it com...